Where Can I Snorkel In Phuket?

Where Can I Snorkel In Phuket?

The Best Places To Snorkel In Phuket

The best places to snorkel in Phuket are all found around the west coast beaches. At most you won’t see much more than sand and the occasional crab so head a little south. The southern end of Phuket is much less populated than Patong and you can still find some coral reefs just offshore. The best option is to join us on our dive boat to Phi Phi or Racha Noi for a great snorkelling tour with exceptionally professional snorkel guides.. If that’s not in your budget then there’s a few beaches that offer decent snorkeling during high season. In green season (May to October) the surf becomes too high and rip currents make west coast beaches very dangerous for swimming. We would highly recommend that you don’t even enter the water.

Kata Beach

We go diving here so it stands to reason that it’s one of the best places to snorkel in Phuket. Just off the north end of the beach is quite a lively little reef. Lots of reef fish, cuttlefish and the occasional blacktip reef shark can be seen. If you’re a free diver then the deeper area of the reef drops away to 10 meters and there’s plenty to see. reef octopus, lionfish and giant morays to name a few. Be careful of the longtail boats that moor in this area, a dive flag or a high visibility clothing is a good idea.

Nai Harn Beach

There’s not a reef here but the rocks around the edge of the bay attract marine life. It’s mostly barren sand directly in front of the beach and there’s not much to see. The rocks around the edges shelter many reef fish as well as larger animals such as moray eels and octopus. If you just want to swim and relax then Nai Harn is one of the best beaches on Phuket. Clear water, very little current and not as crowded as Patong or Kata.

Ao Sane Beach

A hidden gem. It’s located in the same bay as Nai Harn but not many people will have heard of it. Popular with expats and more seasoned Phuket visitors. This small beach has picturesque rock formations that go into the ocean and provide a habitat for marine creatures. Just walk in from the sandy areas and stick close to the rocks. Plenty of reef fish and a small reef for free divers is just a little further out. Renting a motorbike is the easiest way to get there.

Yanui Beach

Just over the hill from Nai Harn is another small beach. Again very picturesque and away from the crowds. There’s a small island just offshore than can be reached by kayaks available for rent on the beach. The island is surrounded by some nice coral and if you’re lucky you might spot a turtle or a blacktip reef shark. If you’re not feeling adventurous then stay close to the shore and search the many rock formations for various reef fish species.

Our Boat!

You can of course join our Phuket diving day trip boat and go a little further afield. Unfortunately it’s not free but all transport, food, guides and equipment is included for THB 2,900. On the Phi Phi trip you’ll be unlucky not to see turtles and reef sharks as well as a multitude of fish and corals. The Racha Noi/Yai trip is not quite as spectacular for marine life but you’ll get a very good view of anything you do see in the usually crystal clear waters.

For local expert advice and to find out all your options for snorkelling and diving in Phuket. Hit the button to below to get in touch with our team of friendly local experts!

Contact Us Now

By Justin Hartrey

I've been enjoying the incredible marine life in our oceans for over 25 years. 13 years ago I became a PADI professional in Phuket, hoping to introduce as many people as possible to the incredible beauty of the seas.

Having been fortunate enough to dive all over south east and especially Thailand, I enjoy sharing my diving experiences and passion on this blog.

Originally from Bristol in the UK, I swapped the frigid waters of the North Atlantic for the warm tropical seas around Thailand and can confidently say that I wouldn't go back

Posted in Phuket Sights & Fun on .

Popular Services

Juvenille Ghost Pipe Fish Myanamar - Local Dive Thailand

Myanmar Liveaboards

The Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar is made up of something like 800 Islands, most of them uninhabited. This seldom visited wilderness is as beautiful under the water as it is above. To get the chance to explore the amazing dive sites around these islands is a once in a lifetime opportunity, with so many creatures waiting to be discovered & adventures to be had, this is sure to be the highlight of any holiday, so get scuba diving Myanmar aboa [...]

Find Out More
mv dive race moored in the similan islands

Dive Race Class E

MV Dive Race Class E is the latest Thailand liveaboard to cruise the Similan and Surin Island National Parks. Constructed in 2015 to international standards this 34.5m by 7.5m steel hull ocean going vessel was designed with stability and comfort in mind allowing longer trips to Myanmar and the South Andaman sites of Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. Built by divers for divers this luxury class vessel has a very comfortable air-conditioned entertain [...]

Find Out More

Daily Schedules

M/V Kepsub Schedule

Jobs @ Local Dive Thailand

Local Dive Thailand is one of Phuket's fatest growing & most vibrant scuba diving operations, we are always looking for quality staff to join us, so feel free to have a look at our jobs listing page.

Job Listings

Contact LDT

Local Guides, Local Knowledge, Local Experiences

Don't trust your diving to amateurs or freshly minted dive guides, dive with local experienced experts from Local Dive Thailand. Our Scuba Diving Phuket Tours will take you to see the rarest of the rare critters, you will be amazed by the macro life our guides can find, in the secret places only they know. To put it in perspective, if you were going to climb Mount Everest you would certainly hire a local sherpa to lead the way & keep you safe. Diving is similar because there is absolutely no substitute for local experience & local knowledge, Local Dive Thailand's guides are Phuket's Sherpa's of the Andaman Sea!

Learn More About Us

Scuba Diving Phuket, Phi Phi & Thailand

When talking about Scuba Diving in Phuket, you should believe the hype, many seasons we have had Whale Sharks grace us on our regular and easy to reach dive sites and on a good day you can add Sea Horses, Sea Moths, Snake Eels, Frog Fish & Octopus to what you can see on any given dive and so much more. If we are heading to Phi Phi Island for the day, you can possibly see Hawksbill Sea Turtles and Black Tip Reef Sharks, also don't forget the King Cruiser, 84 meters of beautiful wreck and the most amazing reef nursery for fish and nudibranch. Local Dive Thailand day trip tours to these locations are not to be missed when you are scuba diving Phuket, get in touch with us and book an 'awesome' day of diving.

Book Your Day Trip

Related News From Local Dive Thailand

See why we are Thailand's leading scuba diving Phuket tour provider, stay up to date & watch out for news & special liveaboard offers!

phuket diving tripadvisor certificate of excellence News & Updates

Phuket Diving TripAdvisor Certificate Of Excellence

It's the third consecutive year we've received the award, we've been running as company for 7 years. Before that we used to look after other companies dive guests, we still do but for the last three years we've been looking after more of our own guests. SO that's why we're beginning to show on the Phuket diving TripAdvisor section. Our experienced owners and staff have got it right from the beginning and below are some of the reasons why. [...]

Read Full Story
padi master scuba diver is the equivalent of a black belt Scuba Diving For Beginners

What Is A PADI Master Scuba Diver

A PADI Master Scuba Diver is certainly someone who takes their diving seriously. To achieve this awesome sounding certification you have to put in a lot of time and effort and show exemplary dive skills. You'll need five PADI specialties to begin. There's a lot specialties to choose from and your selection will depend on your location and your favoured dive environments. For most we would suggest that Enriched Air Nitrox and Deep are the [...]

Read Full Story
Phuket PADI Advanced Open Water Adventure Dives The Archives

Advanced Open Water: Phuket Dive Options

An Advanced Open Water in Phuket gives plenty of adventure dive options. So it can be difficult choosing the right ones for you. Your experience level, chosen venue and conditions on the day can all help narrow down your choices. Deep and Navigation are compulsory dives on the PADI Advanced Open Water in Phuket or anywhere else. So that will leave you with three more adventure dives to complete the course. The Deep dive will take you t [...]

Read Full Story

Local Dive Thailand Office In Phuket


Find Us On Google Maps